A CURRY house has been shut down after shocked inspectors discovered a huge infestation of cockroaches – including some in food ready to be served to customers.

Bury Council officers took emergency measures to close the Radcliffe Balti, in Water Street, after making the disgusting find last month and said that there was an "imminent risk of injury" to the public's health.

After tracing the insects from a neighbouring takeaway back to Radcliffe Balti, the inspectors found cockroaches throughout the premises - including in boxes of rice and vegetables waiting to be given to members of the public.

Cockroach droppings were also found in all of the takeaway's food preparation areas, among other hygiene offences.

The infestation was so big that the council took the unusual step of applying to Bury and Rochdale Magistrates' Court for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order.

This means the shop cannot reopen until the council is satisfied that the infestation has been removed.

Some people might like Balti Cockroach Curry! Environmental Health Officers must visit these high risk establishments more often before the rot sets in. Sadly, in decades to come, distressing news stories like this will still be commonplace. Avoid food outlets whose home countries have standards that are quite different to ours.